Killjoys Review: The Warrior Princess Bride (Season 4 Episode 1)

On Killjoys Season 4 Episode 1, “The Warrior Princess Bride,” Khlyen tells the story of how Dutch and Johnny became Killjoys, and it’s my new favorite story. Can he read it to me every night before bed?

This is an unusual way to kick off a new season, but it works well.

We get a taste of how things are going in the green — horribly– but we see that Khlyen at least has a plan to stop The Lady.

It’s enough of a tease to make us intrigued, and Khlyen’s story offers us hope that John Jaqobis will save the day, somehow. Johnny probably doesn’t even know how yet.

There are still questions about how much time has passed in the green (and out in the real world) and what exactly it means when The Lady breaks you.

The premiere balances the intrigue and mystery well, and you leave “The Warrior Princess Bride” desperately wanting to know what happens next.

Dutch: You lied, you know. You said a thief saved my life, but he didn’t. I saved his.

Khlyen: You saved each other. That’s what you need to remember. You always save each other.

The fact that Killjoys is willing to slow things down a bit in order to show us this flashback is wonderful. Aside from the little symbol that Khlyen hides in Dutch’s mind, the story doesn’t have anything to do with The Lady.

Instead of pushing on through and focusing on teasing this new big bad of the season, Killjoys puts in some much-appreciated character work. Khlyen’s story is really a nice little gift to the fans.

Even though it’s not about The Lady, “The Warrior Princess Bride” doesn’t feel like a slow start or a waste of time. It’s wickedly entertaining and rewarding.

Johnny: Why didn’t you tell me the truth?

Dutch: Yeah. “Hello, stranger. Thank you for rescuing me from my tortured life and being my only friend. And did I mention I’m a mass murderer? Anyway, where should we go next?”

Johnny: I mean your elevator pitch needs work.

Dutch: I don’t know how to be a good person. How do you tell someone that?

Johnny: Doesn’t matter because I wouldn’t have believed you.

Khlyen telling the story of Dutch and Johnny’s trip to the Quad allows for some enjoyable narration and interjections by Dutch. It’s also a cool way to frame the flashbacks. The flashbacks are pure fun.

Ever since we saw how Johnny and Dutch met back on Killjoys Season 3 Episode 7, there’s been a desire to see more of the early moments in their partnership, and “The Warrior Princess Bride” makes that wish come true.

We get to see how Johnny and Dutch became Killjoys. They basically stumble into it, in true Dutch and Johnny fashion.

There’s no denying that their dynamic is different than it is today, but the flashbacks also show that some things have never changed. Dutch and Johnny have always had each other’s backs.

Johnny: We’ve been here five minutes. I already saved your ass. You need me.

Dutch: No, you need to feel needed.

Johnny: Obviously! It’s still rude to say.

During Khlyen’s tale, we see them still trying to figure out what role each of them plays in their team. Johnny is still learning things about Dutch, like her princess moves, and Dutch is still learning to trust Johnny.

Killjoys takes the time to explore Dutch and Johnny’s origins as a team. It’s a treat that we are able to dive in and examine their partnership.

Dutch and Johnny will forever own my heart. It’s ridiculous as to how much chemistry there is between these two.

The two of them being fake married for a case and dancing is too much to handle. There totally is not any swooning happening over here. Nope. Move along now.

Khlyen describing Johnny as Dutch’s “true north” is a punch straight to the heart, and it’s one that hasn’t been felt since “you’re my gravity, Johnny Jaqobis.”

The real lesson of the story is that Khlyen is aware of how important Dutch and Johnny are to each other. He’s their number one fan, even though he has never really acted like it.

Khlyen: When you are lost, when you are breaking, when you have no strength left to fight her, find John Jaqobis. He is your true north, your only way home.

Total side note, but Johnny wearing eyeliner is everything.

I need to know when he started wearing it (and why) and also why he stopped. Maybe there’s a RAC regulation against wearing it, or maybe Johnny decided to join Dutch as she started over with a new identity. While she changed her name, maybe Johnny changed his look. Any theories?

That’s another cool thing about the flashbacks. We learn how Yalena became Dutch.

Johnny: Let’s go toast and make it official, Queenie!

Dutch: Hey! Can’t call me that anymore. I’m starting over, remember? New life, new identity.

Johnny: Fine. Duchess.

Dutch: Hey, that’s a demotion!

Johnny: Oh, I’m well aware.

It’s fitting, and it brings a smile to your face. Did you love this little tidbit?

Stray Thoughts:

• Nice Red 17 callback through the DNA results!
• It’s great that we see Dutch and Johnny’s first time meeting Pree! His eyebrows are fabulous.
• The guy’s name not actually being Larry is hilarious.
• “I don’t want your lady platter” is an unusual way to turn down sex, but whatever works, dude.

What did you think of Killjoys? Please leave your thoughts in the comments below!

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Killjoys airs Fridays at 10/9c on Syfy.

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